Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 12 January, the Men G’olib Run race took place in the Yangi O’zbekiston park ahead of the 33rd anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Defender of the Fatherland Day. The race brought together representatives of the country’s armed forces, law enforcement agencies, cadets of military educational institutions, and amateur runners.

Men G’olib Run is the only sporting event in Uzbekistan where representatives of the country’s main security agencies and military structures compete to determine the best runners. Additionally, the race is an open event for amateur runners, aiming to promote a healthy lifestyle, foster the culture of running, and increase the prestige of the military among the public.

The race is part of the Uzbekistan Championship in Road Running among the Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies, where participants compete both individually and in teams. The second stage of the competition will take place in May, ahead of Memorial and Honors Day.

This year, Men G’olib Run is organized for the first time by the Central Asian Academy of Walking and Running, with the Uzbekistan Athletics Federation as a co-organizer and the general partner being Uzbekneftegaz. Among the state bodies involved in organizing the event are the Ministry of Sports, the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the National Olympic Committee, the Agency for Youth Affairs, and the Tashkent city administration.

Around 1,500 runners started from the Yangi O’zbekiston park in the 3 km and 10 km races. More than 800 participants registered for the 10 km distance, reflecting the growing popularity of running in recent years. Preparing for long-distance races requires time, energy, and attention to physical and harmonious development, representing one of the steps in promoting healthy habits among the young and active generation.

In the patriotic race for the Men G’olib trophy, seven teams from law enforcement agencies and six teams from military educational institutions competed. These included teams from the Ministry of Defense, the State Security Service, the National Guard, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, and the State Customs Committee. The teams from educational institutions were represented by cadets from the Academy of Armed Forces, University of Public Safety, Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Academy of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, Academy of the State Security Service, and the Institute of the State Customs Committee.

To support their teams, senior officials from Uzbekistan’s law enforcement and military bodies attended, including Deputy Defense Minister Major General Hamdam Karshiev, First Deputy Minister of Emergency Situations Colonel Sanjar Zuprov, and Deputy Commander of the National Guard Sarvar Mamayusupov. The opening ceremony also included Adham Ikramov, Minister of Sports, and Oybek Kasimov, Secretary General of the Uzbekistan National Olympic Committee.

“It is a great honor to stand alongside the true patriots of Uzbekistan, who protect the peace and well-being of our country day and night,” said Adham Ikramov during the opening ceremony. “The Men G’olib Run race is an opportunity to express gratitude for the honorable service of all personnel of the law enforcement agencies and military structures, their families, and young cadets who have chosen the difficult path of serving the homeland.”

Families of military personnel and law enforcement representatives, including children from both the senior and junior generations, also joined the 3 km race to celebrate the patriotic holiday.

The total prize fund of the Men G’olib Run race amounted to more than 76 million soums. Participants were awarded in the following categories: absolute winners among men and women in the 3 km and 10 km races, team competition among male and female cadets, team competition among law enforcement agencies, and special nominations for family participants and various age categories.

The winner of the Men G’olib Run team competition was the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The individual winners were:

3 km (Men):

1. Eldor Botirov
2. Diyorbek Daminov
3. Alibek Salimov

3 km (Women):

1. Aziza Mirzaakbarova
2. Maisara Yusupova
3. Makhlio Jumonazarova

10 km (Men):

1. Shohrukh Davlatov
2. Otabek Toshkuvvatov
3. Evgeny Fadeev

10 km (Women):

1. Khayithon Abduvmanoppova
2. Alina Khakimova
3. Shokhsanam Khurramova